Capesize bulk carrier HARVEST SKY after refloating was towed to Kaohsiung, Taiwan, for offloading her cargo of coal. Vessel sustained some serious propulsion failure, requesting repairs, and remained disabled since the time of initial accident. After offloading, bulk carrier was to be towed to mainland China, understood to Zhoushan area, for repairs. Towage commenced on Oct 31, according to AIS track. Early in the morning Nov 3 HARVEST SKY broke off towing line in rough weather in the northern Taiwan Strait, and started to drift back to Taiwan, driven by strong northeast wind. Hapless vessel drifted some 130 nm through most of Taiwan Strait, until finally, managed to anchor some 7 nm of Taixi, Yunlin, central Taiwan, early in the morning Nov 6. Not clear what salvage company is to tow HARVEST SKY to mainland China, old one, or another?
Previous news:
Capesize bulk carrier refloated, Taiwan
October 21, 2017
Bulk carrier HARVEST SKY was refloated in the evening Oct 20 with high tide, salvage tug KOYO MARU (IMO 9162148) was contracted for salvage operation. No leak reported. HARVEST SKY as of 0700 UTC Oct 21 was under tow of KOYO MARU, moving in southern direction along Taiwanese coast. It is said, that bulk carrier is to be towed to safe waters for thorough survey.
Grounding news:
Capesize bulk carrier aground, Taiwan
October 14
Bulk carrier HARVEST SKY ran aground early in the morning Oct 14 in position 25 07 121 15E, Limkou port coast, northwest Taiwan, believed to have some 60000 tons of coal on board. Vessel lost steering control, reportedly after her rudder or propeller or both entangled in fishing nets, and drifted aground. The bottom is mud and gravel, no hull breaches, no leaks reported.
FleetMon Vessel Risk Rating: https://www.fleetmon.com/services/vessel-risk-rating/
